Even though we have had some nice catches of trout and reds on artificial lures over the past few weeks, live bait is the absolute surest strategy. Live minnows or shrimp are available at all of the local bait shops. This week we had a tough time getting the strikes on either top water or jigs. At the same time, other fishermen in the boat were able to get bites from reds, specks and flounder on live cocohoe minnows. The live bait just produces even when the fish are not really wanting to bite. One of the specks was 5 pounds, and the others were nice and plump 15 to 18 inchers. The reds ranged from just barely 18 inches to 28 inches. All but one red we caught were keepers this week. The next several weeks will include fishing the reefs with jigs under corks and top water lures. But, I won't leave the dock without a well full of live bait just to be sure I have something the fish will bite.